Shakur was born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members. Raised by his mother, he relocated to Baltimore in 1984 and to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. With the release of his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, he became a central figure in West Coast hip-hop for his conscious rap lyrics. Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995). His Diamond certified album All Eyez on Me (1996), the first double-length album in hip-hop history, abandoned his introspective lyrics for volatile gangsta rap. In addition to his music career, Shakur also found considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles in Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock'd (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
During the later part of his career, Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration. In 1995, Shakur served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges, but was released pending an appeal of his conviction. Following his release, he signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records and became heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas; he died six days later. Following his murder, Shakur's friend-turned-rival, the Notorious B.I.G., was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud, but was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later in March 1997 while visiting Los Angeles.
Five more albums have been released since Shakur's death, all of which have been certified Platinum in the United States. In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Shakur among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in the East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City. While born Lesane Parish Crooks, at age one he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Túpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, Túpac Amaru, who was executed in Peru in 1781 after his failed revolt against Spanish rule. Shakur's mother explained, "I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of a world culture and not just from a neighborhood."
Shakur had an older stepbrother, Mopreme "Komani" Shakur, and a half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, two years his junior.
Let Them Thangs Go
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Throw them thangs
Throw them thangs
The quicker the nigga can go on
The faster the nigga can get his dough on
Then I can hit my flow and get my ho on
Them niggas don't know what goes on
Then act up when all the hoes gone
Are you ready for my flow? hit me (Hoo!)
Are you ready for my flow? hit me (Hoo!)
Are you ready for my flow? hit me (Hoo!)
Stop fronting motherfucker let them thangs go
I'm quick to kill a nigga any nigga feel me nigga
You can't fade me I'm way to fucking real nigga
2Pacalypse Now still down with the Underground
Niggas get clowned when I come around
Boom boom motherfucker and it don't stop
Fuck a cop pass the Glock and it won't stop
If ya ready for my flow hit me (Hoo!)
If ya ready for my flow hit me (Hoo!)
If ya ready for my flow hit me (Hoo!)
Stop fronting motherfucker let them thangs go
If ya wondering the thunder and the trouble
Is coming from the rebel as I hit ya from the lower level
Hit me once fucking D M and two times
Popping like two nines hitting 'em with new rhymes
I can make you love me
Best to chill with the nigga cause ya sure can't punch me
If ya feel me let me hear ya say (Rock that shit)
If ya feel me let me hear ya say (Rock that shit)
If ya feel me let me hear ya say (Rock that shit)
'Cause ain't a nigga alive that can stop the hit
Hey, hold on young 'Pac
Motherfuckers ain't riding no hookers out here
Punk motherfuckers think the town
Ain't got handle bars on and shit
And ya lie to get slapped behind here
With a motherfucking motor, punk sissy
Tell them motherfucking square ass niggas
Check this out
Y'all gonna come up off those motherfucking thangs
'Cause I ain't gonna be up in sweating for nothing
Ya little punk square nigga
I'm quick to spit the shit get ya open
Straight outta Oakland
Fuck the law get ya jaw broken
Ba ba ba bang bang nigga it's a stick up dee
Turn the kick up I'm ready to rip the shit up G
They got me hype hype hyper, am I hype enough?
Pass the blunt motherfucker let me light shit up
And pump ya fist like this
'Cause the cops can't flip on a whole damn clique
So suck dick
What they hitting 'fo? Double up nigga it's on
The type of nigga that likes to bone with the lights on
If ya ready for a nigga hit me (Hoo!)
If ya ready for a nigga hit me (Hoo!)
If ya ready for a nigga hit me (Hoo!)
Stop fronting motherfucker let them thangs go
Yes some of you niggas are bitches too
Little square motherfuckers trying to get to who?
Pop pop never made it to ya punk ass clique
Talk shit now ya gotta get ya punk ass whipped
For the bitches that be trying to work a nigga (fuck that bitch)
For the tramps that be trying to jerk a nigga (fuck that tric)
For the rollers that be trying to urk a nigga (fuck the cops)
I'ma hustle and you punks can't hurt me nigga
If ya ready for a nigga hit me (Hoo!)
If ya ready for a nigga hit me (Hoo!)
If ya ready for a nigga hit me (Hoo!)
Stop fronting motherfucker let them thangs go
Uh, uh, yeah
Let them thangs go
The lyrics of 2Pac's "Let Them Thangs Go" are all about power and dominance. The song talks about wanting to get your money quickly, so you can focus on your music and women, and nothing else matters. The rapper then goes on to talk about how he can take anyone down and therefore, they should not mess with him. The song is about being a rebel and not caring about what others think. It’s about being true to oneself and doing what one loves.
Throughout the song, 2Pac emphasizes his flow and being ready to unleash it. He references his album "2Pacalypse Now" to show his continued loyalty to the underground rap scene. The repeated refrain of "Stop frontin' motherf***er, let them thangs go" serves as a warning to his enemies to stop pretending like they’re tougher than they really are and to back down before they get hurt.
Overall, "Let Them Thangs Go" is a powerful and intense song that showcases the bravado and raw talent of 2Pac. It speaks to the idea of being true to oneself, working towards success, and taking no crap from anyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Throw them thangs
Let go of any issues or problems weighing you down
The quicker the n**** can go on
The faster you can move forward and leave negativity behind, the better
Then I can hit my flow an' get my ho on
Once you let go of your problems, you can focus on your passions and enjoy the company of loved ones
Them n****s don't know what goes on
People who haven't experienced your struggles don't truly understand what you're going through
They tryin' to f*** with all they clothes on
Some people are trying to act tough, but they're not really prepared for the consequences
Then act up when all the hoes gone
People often try to show off and cause problems when they think they have an audience
Are you ready for my flow? Hit me, ho
Are you ready for my skills and talent to shine? Let me show you what I can do
Stop frontin' motherf***er, let them thangs go
Stop pretending or acting tough and let go of any negativity
I'm quick to kill a n****, any n**** feel me, n****
I won't hesitate to stand up for myself or those I care about, and I'm not afraid of the consequences
You can't fade me, I'm way to f***in' real, n****
No one can bring me down or challenge my authenticity
'2Pacalypse Now' still down with the underground
I'm still connected to my roots and where I come from
N****s get clowned when I come around
People try to act tough, but they're not prepared for my presence
Boom boom motherf***er an' it don't stop
I'm a force to be reckoned with, and I won't back down
F*** a cop, pa** the glock an' it won't stop
I don't trust the police, and I'll protect myself and those around me no matter what
If ya wonderin', the thunder an' the trouble
If you're questioning who's behind the chaos and issues, it's me
Is comin' from the rebel as I hit ya from the lower level
I'm standing up for those who are overlooked or disadvantaged, and I'm doing it from a place of strength regardless of society's opinion
Hit me once f***in' D M an' two times
I'll still come back stronger and more determined, even if you try to bring me down
Poppin' like two nines, hittin' 'em with new rhymes
I'm constantly changing and adapting, always improving my skills and pushing the envelope
I can make you love me
Through my talent and personality, I can win over even those who doubted me at first
Best to chill with the n**** 'cause ya sure can't punch me
It's better to hang out and get along with me rather than try to fight me
If ya feel me let me hear ya say rock that s***
If you agree with my message and what I stand for, show your support
'Cause ain't a n**** alive that can stop the hit
No one can truly bring me down or stop my success
Hey, hold on, young 'Pac, motherf***ers ain't ridin'
Hold on a second and listen, people aren't supporting me as much as they should be
No hookers out here, punk motherf***ers think the town
There aren't any easy ways to success, some people think it's easier than it actually is
Ain't got handle bars on an' s*** an' ya lie to get slapped
You can't just coast through life or lie your way to success, you'll eventually face the consequences of your actions
Behind here with a motherf***in' motor, punk sissy
I'm standing strong with my talent and determination, while others try to take shortcuts or hide behind their insecurities
Check this out, y'all finna come up off
Listen and follow my lead, and you'll see success
Those motherf***in' thangs 'cause I ain't finna be up
Let go of any negativity or burdens, I'm not willing to struggle any longer
Here sweatin' for nothin', ya little punk square n****
I'm working hard and putting in effort, and those who aren't willing to do the same are unimportant
I'm quick to spit the s*** get ya open
I'm always ready to perform and show off my skills
Straight outta Oakland, f*** the law, get ya jaw broken
I'm representing my hometown and standing up against those who try to oppress me or my community
Ba-ba-bang bang, n****, it's a stick up D
I'm coming in strong and unapologetic, ready to make demands and stand up for what I believe in
Turn the kick up, I'm ready to rip the s*** up, G
I'm taking my performance and message to the next level, always improving and evolving
They got me hype, hype, hyper, am I hype enough?
I'm always ready to perform and show off my energy and talent, but can I ever do enough?
Pa** the blunt, motherf***er, let me light s*** up
Let's relax and enjoy ourselves, life is too short to always be serious
An' pump ya fist like this
Let's show our enthusiasm and support through a physical gesture
'Cause the cops can't flip on a whole damn clique
The police or those in authority can't bring down an entire community or group through arrests and intimidation
So suck dick
I don't care about the opinions or feelings of those trying to bring me down
What they hittin' fo'? Double up n****, it's on
Why are people trying to bring me down or hate on my success? But I'll continue to push forward and work even harder
The type of n**** that likes to bone with the lights on
I'm not afraid to be vulnerable and exposed, even in intimate moments
Yes, some of you n****s are b****es too
Some people who try to act tough or challenge me are actually just weak and insecure
Little square motherf***ers, tryin' to get to who?
People who try to challenge or bring down others don't actually know what they're doing or who they're trying to impress
Pop pop, never made it to ya punk a** clique
I won't back down or be swayed by the pressure of others trying to bring me down
Talk s***, now ya gotta get ya punk a** whipped
Those who talk negatively and disrespectfully to others will eventually face the consequences of their actions
For the b****es that be tryin' to work a n****
Some people try to take advantage of others through manipulation or deceit
For the tramps that be tryin' to jerk a n****
Some people try to bring others down or sabotage their success out of jealousy or spite
For the rollers that be tryin' to urk a n****
Some people try to oppress and intimidate others through their authority or power
I'm a hustle an' you punks can't hurt me, n****
I'm working hard and achieving success, and others can't bring me down or impede my progress
Hit me, yeah, let them thangs go
Let go of any negativity or problems and move forward with positivity and determination
I'm a straight rider
I'm steadfast and determined, never backing down or compromising my values
...
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Delmar Drew Arnaud, George Clinton, William Bootsy Collins, Katari Cox, Malcolm R Greenidge, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Bernard Worrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Agent Bosconian
on So Many Tears - Live
I fear only God and no human being
Even in the face of danger, I will stay strong
I have cried so much and fear that I might die soon
God, please guide me and take me to heaven if I die
I grew up in a sad, and lonely environment and it affected me in a gravely manner
I was abandoned; all alone and grew up in a community that was doomed to fail
My mind was greatly troubled and I couldn't be able to find my inner peace
I found solace and comfort in adopting a tough and rebellious lifestyle
Do you understand my pain and sorrow? I don't ever dwell on the past memories
To survive in a dangerous environment, you must react aggressively and quickly; in order to stay alive
I will always remember my friend, Kato. A good friend who has tragically died, and is no longer with us, anymore
I witnessed the day Kato perished on the streets and was calling for help
May Kato, and those who died before him, truly find peace in death
Is there really a place in heaven for a gangster like me? Always think and never forget about me
The friends that I once shared my laughter with; are now buried in their graves in the cemetery. I continue to shed countless tears for them; as I grieve for them
As I face many difficulties in the music industry, I will do whatever it takes to overcome it
People call me greedy and selfish for making money, yet they rarely can see me
I feel like I'm being cursed by the world and havin' disturbing; yet horrible premonitions
I have a fear that I will die and lie inside a coffin on a hearse, and want God's guidance and empathy
I want to escape from the problems, stress and the hurting of life
I yearned; longing for happiness and clarity in my troubled life
I'm trapped in jail and my life is in shambles
I feel like I'm doomed to go to Hell, but I don't know why
I'm in denial about my life, and I'm scared of death
If I go to hell, I will be in eternal pain and cry so much
I'm lost and tired, and I've cried so much
I'm contemplating suicide, so stay away from me
I'm intentionally moving towards death
I'm ready to die, and I feel like I have nothing to live for
The streets were ruthless, and I couldn't find peace
I'm on the verge of breaking down, and I long for peace
I lost my soul and my identity, but I was unaware
I had demons in my mind that were taking over
The demons inside me grew and ignited a fire
My head felt like a bomb ready to explode, it was a nasty game
I have no happy memories, only pain and sadness
I imagine my enemies murdering me in my sleep
I wonder if I'll live to see the next day
I ask God to pardon me for my wrongs as death approaches
God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed
I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings
I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by
I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort
I don't want this life, I want something different
There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence
I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze
Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind
I've been disillusioned and now want a family
I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past
I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us
I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it
I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven
I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven
I've lost so many years and cried so many tears
God, I lost so many friends and associates, and...
God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed
I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings
I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by
I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort
I don't want this life, I want something different
There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence
I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze
Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind
I've been disillusioned and now want a family
I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past
I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us
I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it
I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven
I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven
I've lost so many years and cried so many tears
God, I lost so many friends and associates, and cried so many tears
Aliyu
on 'Pac's Life
Nice
A.Bosconian
on So Many Tears
I am not afraid of anything or anyone other than God.
Even when I am in the darkest of times and places.
I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.
I ask God to guide me and be with me in my journey through life.
Even as a child in elementary school, I found myself attracted to and surrounded by sadness and hopelessness.
I was abandoned and grew up among a generation of people who were doomed to fail.
My mind was constantly struggling, and I could not find a sense of peace or comfort anywhere.
I found a sense of identity and belonging when I got the tattoo of 'Thug Life' on my chest.
Do you understand the struggles and pain that I have experienced in my life?
I am not dwelling on my past mistakes, and if you want to be successful, you shouldn't be either.
In order to defend yourself and your community from violence, you must be the first one to take action. We should never forget Kato, who was killed due to senseless violence.
Kato is no longer with us and has passed away.
I witnessed violent crimes, and I've seen the aftermath of people being killed on the streets.
I hope Kato, and all those who have passed before him, are resting in peace.
Is there a place in heaven for someone like me, who has lived a life of violence and crime?
Remember me and all of my friends who have died and are now buried in the cemetery.
I address God.
I have experienced a lot of suffering throughout my life.
I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.
Now that I am struggling in the music industry.
I will do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means being labeled as greedy and only focused on making money.
Even though I am chasing success, I rarely get to enjoy it or be seen by others.
I feel cursed and have a negative outlook on the world.
I am having visions of dying and leaving this world in a coffin.
I ask God if he can understand what I am going through and help me.
I want to be relieved of all the stress and suffering I feel.
I want to experience happiness again, which has been absent from my life for some time.
I feel like I am losing sight of what's important in my life.
I feel trapped in my current situation, and my quality of life is suffering as a result.
I already feel like I am destined to go to hell, and I question where I went wrong in my life.
I am unable to come to terms with my reality.
When I die, I fear that I will be punished forever in the afterlife.
I feel lost and tired.
I have cried so much that I am now having suicidal thoughts, so please don't be near me.
Everything I do feels like a complicated and difficult step.
To bring me closer to what I want to achieve.
I am prepared to accept death at any moment since I feel like I have nothing to live for.
Things were very rough and merciless on the streets.
I was never able to find peace or rest in that environment.
I am close to falling apart and screaming for peace.
Even though I was empty and lost, I couldn't understand or recognize it at the time.
My mind was plagued with negative thoughts and emotions, which were trying to escape constantly.
The negative thoughts and emotions had been planted long ago and have now taken root, and the flame of negativity is now growing stronger.
Just like a match can light a fire, the negative thoughts in my brain can also do the same, causing pain and suffering.
I have no good memories to comfort me, only sadness and suffering.
I am afraid of being attacked and killed by the people who hate me, even in my sleep.
I wonder if I will survive through the night to see the light of the new day?
I ask God for forgiveness for my past mistakes and wrongdoings.
I am trying to face my problems and come out stronger and better.
The Lord knows I have tried my best, and I have witnessed violent deaths in my community.
Drive-by shootings have resulted in the loss of many lives, including innocent children.
I wonder why these tragedies are happening in my community as I walk around and see the devastation.
I am saddened as I look at the markings on the pavement where someone has been killed, and the only way I can deal with this pain is by getting high.
I understand that this isn't the kind of life that I want for myself, and I want to change it.
I want to change my life for the better.
I feel like there is no future for me, no matter how hard I try to change.
I am trapped in the cycle of crime and violence that exists in my community.
I am lost and confused about how to get out of this situation.
The alcohol has influenced me to act more recklessly and dangerously.
I have lost faith and become cynical about life recently.
I have been wanting to have children and start a family.
I want to see a better version of myself in my children, someone who isn't always involved in negative activities.
I don't fully trust my partner because of the negative influence of our environment.
My partner has also been affected by the negative influences of our environment, and I am hearing strange noises because of how paranoid I am.
I am paranoid that my partner is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle the stress anymore.
I am begging God to forgive me and let me into heaven when I die.
I have lost many friends and acquaintances to violence and death.
As a result of these losses, I have cried many tears and experienced a lot of sadness.
I have experienced a lot of pain and suffering throughout my life.
A.Bosconian
on So Many Tears
The lyrics of Tupac Shakur's song "So Many Tears" explore the themes of paranoia, pain, and death. The first verse of the song presents Tupac's fearlessness of men, but not of God. The rapper then describes his life growing up, where he felt like he was surrounded by misery but found a sense of identity and belonging in the Thug Life culture. He mourns the deaths of his friends, particularly Kato, who was murdered in the streets. Tupac questions to himself whether there is heaven for a "G" and reflects on the many homies who died; that are now in the cemetery.
In the second verse, Tupac reveals his struggles in the music industry, where he feels overwhelmed by the pressure and pain. He admits to being greedy and having a vision of dying young. Tupac requests God to free him from the pain and suffering he experiences in life. The final verse of the song sees Tupac lost, weary, and suicidal. He delves into his struggles with addiction, and he starts to hear voices and experience demons in his mind. Tupac desires to change, but he feels trapped in the game, and he is unsure of his lady's loyalty.
Overall, Tupac Shakur's "So Many Tears" is a poignant song that reflects the artist's tumultuous life and his struggles with death and paranoia. The lyrics also tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the ghetto and the impact that violence and loss have on the psyche of an individual.
Gabriel Benard Cote
on California Love - Original Mix (Explicit)
2 pac is the best